In May 1941, he was classified as unfit for military service due to a silver plate that had been inserted in one knee after a football injury during his sophomore year.

[2] In 1942, Brewer enlisted in the United States Navy but was discharged due to his recurring knee injury.

[2] During the 1943–44 academic year, he returned to the University of Illinois as a staff member in the school of physical education.

[2] He next served as the head football coach at Illinois Wesleyan University from 1944 to 1946, compiling a record of 12–10.

When it became clear that the football head coach at the time, Pete Elliott, would win the position, Brewer turned over documents to then-UI president David Henry, ultimately leading to the slush fund scandal.